JAIL TIME ALONE WILL NOT HELP DRUG USERS

I have been working in the chemical dependency field for more than 12
years. I am a firm believer in disease concept 12-step based treatment
programs. I have witnessed their effectiveness firsthand. I am also a firm
believer in consequences. There is no reason to stop a negative behavior it
there aren't any consequences. An ideal solution would be the legal
consequences in conjunction with mandatory treatment for drug and/or
alcohol problems. This is already happening in many instances.

I see it on a regular basis. Jail time alone will not help those stricken
with the disease of alcoholism or addiction. But the negative consequence
of taking away freedom combined with a regimented treatment program has
proved much more effective. In the end it is up to the person who has been
afflicted to accept responsibility for his or her own recovery. The Zogby
poll on Issue 1 didn't even list treatment combined with jail time. It was
either (treatment or jail) or neither.

Ideally, the consequence will hopefully get people to seek help, and the
treatment program will guide them. Treatment is not a consequence and
should not be viewed as that.

KAREN MARQUARDT, Westbrook Drive